8 Couples' Decorating Dilemmas

What happens when designer couples clash?

What happens when designer couples clash? With two designers in a family, there's bound to be the occasional decorating dustup. Eight couples share their design battles — and compromises.

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Courtesy of Jim and Phoebe Howard

An Artist's Mural

"Once we had a visit from an artist, who was enchanted by our home's picturesque setting — a wild kingdom of ospreys, hawks, eagles, and other wildlife. Before we knew it, we had a beautiful sepia-toned mural in our dining room. I love it, but Phoebe grew tired of it almost immediately. I guess we can always repaint." —Jim Howard, Interior Designer

"Or sell the house, so we don't have to debate it any further!" —Phoebe Howard, Interior Designer

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Courtesy of Nathan Turner and Eric Hughes

Peg Rail

"When Eric insisted on putting up this Shaker peg rail in our beach house, I thought it was a wasted opportunity. He likes that pared-down, utilitarian aesthetic, but I wanted a wall of art, floor to ceiling." —Nathan Turner, Interior Designer

"My agenda was practical. The beach is all about towels, suits, hats, keys — and, of course, where to put it all. I would have kept the wall above the rail bare, but Nathan claimed it, and I've come to appreciate this ever-changing gallery of personal images." —Eric Hughes, Interior Designer

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Courtsey of Philip Cozzi and Kristin Hein

Armchairs

"I simply wanted a place to sit! We had plenty of places to perch, recline, or dine in our house in Provincetown, but there wasn't a pair of comfortable chairs. We finally found these two tufted Napoleon III armchairs — but I did have to beg for them." —Philip Cozzi, Interior Designer

"The place is tiny and everything was just-so. But Philip yearned for comfy 'Papa and Nana' chairs for watching the fire and, dare I say it, TV. I'm a convert!"—Kristin Hein, Interior Designer

"When Katie proposed this, I thought she was kidding! Really, sometimes she's so far out, but I've learned to trust her vision. Now the glossy red railing winds a sinuous path as it connects the two levels of the house. I call it the 'disco' rail because it adds some sex appeal to our home." —Peter Pennoyer, Architect

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Courtesy of Matt Larkin and Lainie Grant

A Pink Living Room

"Lainie suggested painting our living room pink, and I was not enthusiastic. Now, I must admit, it looks great." —Matt Larkin, Interior Designer

"Matt is really rather tolerant. He also lets me have way more animal-print needlepoint pillows and gnomes than anyone needs in one room!" —Lainie Grant, Interior Designer

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Courtesy of Gary McBournie and Bill Richards

Monkey Souvenir

"Bill bought this carved wood monkey in West Palm Beach. He found it whimsical; I found it kitsch." —Gary McBournie, Interior Designer

"Gary is a serious designer — he's the artist — but I like to have fun once in a while. This silly monkey, with his gaping eyes, just makes me laugh. For a while, Gary kept pushing it to the back of the shelf, but he's finally learned to lighten up and live with it!" —Bill Richards, Interior Designer

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Courtesy of Carey Maloney and Hermes Mallea

A Fixer Upper

"When I saw this 1964 mobster party house overlooking the Hudson River, it was love at first sight, but Hermes — the architect — hated it. He agreed to buy it but refused to take any part in its extensive rehab. Admittedly, it was not an architectural gem, but I whipped it into shape — and now he loves our 1960s pad." —Carey Maloney, Interior Designer

"All's well that ends well!" —Hermes Mallea, Architect

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Courtesy of Jeffry Weisman and Andrew Fisher

Built-In Cabinetry

"I wanted to fill a long wall in our breakfast room with tall cabinetry to store all our china and glassware. Andrew said it would turn the room into a pantry." —Jeffry Weisman, Interior Designer

"My dream was to build a false armoire that would open to the garage and my studio. A waste of space, according to Jeffry! In the end, we built what looks like an armoire: the center panel is a secret passage with tall storage cabinets on either side. Win-win!"—Andrew Fisher, Interior Designer

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